magicvet

[magicvet]

“Yes, really disappointing…” Corey sighed, not nearly as aggravated as Eilonwy was. She was out there, in the nature, as connected and wild as it was, while Corey very often had to deal with the human, urban side of things. If he lost his patience often, he reckoned he wouldn’t be able to do much. Hands could get tied in any circumstances, it was only a matter of how gracefully you deal with it that would enable more good than harm being done in the long run for those both Eilonwy and Corey were fighting for, each in their own way.

“He is as alright as he can be. Not happy about all the moving around and travel. And that would be a great idea if not for the awkwardness of sea serpents being a natural enemy to most sirens. I reckon they’d rather not be caught anywhere near one in the open waters. But maybe there are some kind-hearted people out there who might be able to point us in the right direction. It can’t hurt.” He smiled gratefully at Eilowny knowing that she would go about things her way in any case and he wasn’t about to stop her. After all, this was exactly what he admired about her.

That was when a distinct flap of considerably large wings distracted him and Corey looked up, knowingly putting a hand over the plates of jam-covered bread he’d just made because in the next moment Bob, the ravenly rascal, made a flashy appearance, flying over in a ruffle of glossy black feathers. “Making food? Without me? Betrayal of the highest order!” To others, this would sound like nothing but raven cawing but both Eilonwy and Corey would be able to understand it as easily as they would a person. “Now, now, Bob. Behave yourself. We have a guest. And she can hear you.” Corey warned his feathered friend as he patiently allowed him to perch onto his shoulder, tolerating his large wingspan hitting him on the back of his head.

“Oh really?” Bob responded, unbothered, with an eerily human-like doubt in his crooning tone. “Hey! Guest! There’s a twig in your hair!” He cawed at Eilonwy, purely to test her, as if doubting what Corey had just warned him about.

"oh, i would actually - if it's not too much trouble!" was she so predictable, or did corey simply know her so well? eilonwy gathered a bit of both in that regard, letting her hands rest upon the table where she sat, finding no difficulty in talking despite the new distance between them. the fae hummed in response at being asked if she remembered the sea serpent - she did, after all, it had caused quite the stir. she had some of its scales fashioned into earrings after it scraped some off after breaking the tank, a memento to remember it by. hearing its fate made her frown, looking over at her friend immediately. "that's so disappointing," bullshit, was what she had wanted to say. eilonwy knew the best place for the creature was wide open sea, or deep large lakes or lochs - not the clinics basement. it had taken weeks to organize a release programme that had clearly fallen through. "is he okay? i'll go talk to him tomorrow, and get right back on trying to find another home for him. i do wonder if i could contact the local pod of sirens, see if they don't have friends further afield who could assist us..."

[magicvet]

“That early?” Corey marveled with a generous dose of genuine amazement. He could relate to this, he himself knew that he wanted to take care of animals ever since he could name most of them. “Well sounds like you have some pretty impressive shoes to fill! I never for one second assumed that you were pressured into it or anything alike.” All he really saw was that Avery and apparently his whole family as well were very passionate about what they did, which was also Corey’s experience, both personal and familial. He still fondly recalled his father, who’d been a wildlife photographer, taking them all out into the forest for camping and observing the wildlife there. Those were some of his fondest memories. 

“I am happy to hear that music helped you throughout your childhood and young adulthood and that it continues to help and be a spark of joy for you.” It was lovely to hear when young people found healthy, productive ways to go through the angstiest periods of their young lives. It was very sad and unfortunate when, without proper guidance, some failed to do so and strayed into delinquency or worse instead. Corey felt lucky that in his family they never had such a case to deal with. “So none of this sounds silly to me at all.” He reassured and since the werewolf refused medical aid once more, Corey dropped it entirely. After all, an animal clinic wasn’t exactly certified to provide medical care to people. Even a hospital wouldn’t be able to force a conscious person to get treated if they refused. 

Corey chuckled good-naturedly then, not entirely sure what ‘wolf stuff’ would encompass but he assumed that would be the consequences or symptoms of lycanthropy. “Truly, it’s fine. I believe it’s a very responsible thing to be aware that you may not be ready for a pet.” He tried to console the young man again, genuinely not harboring any judgment over this. “I am sure you will find a way to navigate all this just fine as time goes by and you get used to the town.” After all, Corey always had this calming aura around him that everything, despite all odds, will end up just fine and eventually sort itself out. 

“Don’t worry, we will keep you informed.” It seemed like this young man needed a lot of reassurance but Corey didn’t mind giving it. He fiddled about the front desk, making the computer print out papers needed to be signed - that much he knew how to do but the rest when it comes to payment and other formalities he’d leave up to their receptionist as soon as she was back to her post. Once fresh out of the printer, Corey gave the papers over to Avery along with a pen to fill out and sign his personal details with. “Take a seat anywhere in the waiting room and go through these, take all the time you need. I'm here if you got any questions.”

Avery smiles, he always loves talking about music, that is for sure the best way to get him to settle down and feel more at ease, he likes it som much he can talk anyone's ear off about it if they give then a second of attention. "Oh ever since I was too little to pick it up," the wolf chukles, shaking his head as he remembers his kid version seaking into his dad's music room to touch the guitars, "My dad is a musician, I kinda grew up with it, you know? it was hard not to fall for it because my dad, he's even wrose than me, he's very passionate about it! writes his own songs the whole deal, he's kinda like the star of the town back home," Avery smiles as all the memories come to mind, "Oh! it's not like he's one of those...making your kid follow your dreams type person, I just really loved it and bugged him until he taught me everything he knew," while the man was more than glad to teach him, he knew if he showed no interest that would be fine with his dad too, both if his dad just always wanted what was best for him "I would be around 11 or 12 when the interest really pick up, I think?" it felt like a life time ago, it would be a couple of years that Avery started to deal with his anger issues and music was there for him in a way nothing else could, "Haven't stopped ever since though I mostly play for myself and in a couple of bar shows with some friends, I'm happy with just being the guy behind the scene helping others bluid their songs, and It may sound silly but--went trough some stuff as a kid, I don't if I've come out of as well as I did if I didn't had my music to help me ground, y'know?" which was also true now with the wolf issues maybe it was a different kind of rage, one that was even more difficult to tame, but grabbing his guitar and distracting himself with it also seems to work at times, not as well as before but still. "Oh," he looks down as his arms, "It's okay really it's just superficial," he smiles gently,"Thank you, though." "Maybe that's it, I've been a little--all over the place," he runs a hand trough his hair, letting out a sigh, "You know, wolf stuff, so I also don't think I could care for a pet at the moment, you know?" he admits, there was also this, what if he shifted and scared the poor thing half to dea? again, It was best for Avery to sort his issues out before trying to care for anyone other than hismelf, it sounded a bit selfish, but how was he gonna care for a helpess animal when he couldn't keep himself out of trouble? "Yeah, that's why I never know--Like I don't wanna approach someone and ask what they are, that's just rude, but I'm also always a bit on the fence to say what I am to some poor sucker with no clue what's going on, ya know?" he chuckles, it seems the town doesn't have many of those, though you could never be too careful. "Okay," Avery nods, "Just as long as I'm told, I just wanna make the kitty is okay," he smiles. He feels responsable now, still think this was his fault. "Hey, no problem, I was always taught to own up to the shit I do, y'know? besides as much as you may like what you do this is still a business and it costs money," Avery understood that, while not someone who run a business of any kind, he also had to take in mind the costs of traveling, renting studios etc when he was woking with someone as sometimes as much as he loved what he did it just wasn't profitable enough. "Alright," The wolf nods with a smile as he began to head to where the vet gestured him to.

[magicvet]

“Happiness is not an illusion, Joey. It’s the reason for living.” Corey sighed softly, aiming to nip this negative line of thinking in the bud. Well, at least for this conversation. Sometimes it felt like it was too late to truly nip it in the bud for Roman in general. It seemed like his dear old friend had abandoned himself to the slow decay of desperation a long time ago, so much so that it had become a part of his personality. So, Corey had to stick around to keep reminding Roman of his old self and sometimes that required a bit of firmness on the usually very gentle and kind doctor's part. “You were hired for all the jobs you have now, weren’t you? Come on now, don’t be cheeky. Hand me that over.” He waved a hand to hurry his friend up, helpless with his wrapped up leg and more annoyed at that than anything Roman had said.

“Well nevermind the funds, then. Funds will come.” He said absently as he flipped the notebook open. Luckily Roman wouldn’t need to fetch him his glasses too, they were around Corey’s neck already for TV watching and all he had to do was put them up on the bridge of his nose. The notebook was full of jotted down words, names, addresses, phone numbers, notes, etc. made even thicker by newspaper articles and ads cutouts, business cards, pamphlets and brochures of all sorts from holistic medicine treatments to advertisements for orthopedic house slippers, old phone numbers, shopping lists and things to remember, even some semi-important documents folded over to fit the pages or used as bookmarks for places in the notebook dedicated to certain dates.

“Ah, there it is.” Corey hummed after a brief flip through and plucked a pamphlet from the organized mess this notebook was. “This thing has most of the info. Even a little map where the lots are located. So, if you know how to open up the web page for it that’s on there, I suggest you read up on that old laptop of yours. Though we should really go there at some point, so you could see it.” Even though Roman had once again settled down, Corey still motioned to make him get up again to take the pamphlet. Perhaps it was intentional how he danced around it, not yet outright saying that it was a done deal and one of the lots would be on Roman’s name and officially his to use - because Corey knew what Roman would say to it way before it was even in Roman’s mind. He’d refuse and Corey was adamant to refuse his refusal. The tricky part was avoiding the conflict that would come with that. So Corey was playing a little dumb, testing how far he would be able to take it before Roman caught on.

A brow lifted at Corey’s remark, it was rare to see that from his brother. However, he decided to let it go and not hone in on it.  Not when the conversation was going well.  “You know what they say, happiness is just an illusion.”  Truly, Roman was not sure what he wanted to do.  Closer to sixty and with no real experience outside of the military his options were limited in the small town.  Did not help, he created a rather colorful reputation as well.  “Who else is going to hire me?  Not like I have family money I can retire with,” he commented.

“Fetch, what cause I’m a wolf,” he teased.  The wolf did as the witch asked and grabbed the notebook and brought it to him and settled back down.  “I appreciate it man, but I don’t think I have the funds.”  Roman was close to reaching his $4,500 mark to try and pay back his friend, but he needed just a few more hundred where he could finally put that to rest.  “What were you planning on doing with the lots though?”  He questioned curiously.

[magicvet]

“Trust me, I have never been shy around enchiladas.” Corey chuckled good-naturedly, stepping further into the flat and to the table, taking the forks and knives over to place them by the plates Elena had just set. “I believe in Dario’s refined tastes.” Corey genuinely did not mind what Elena had prepared for the dinner, he would’ve been grateful even with a microwave meal let alone a home made one. Growing up with younger sisters, Corey knew very well how to appreciate everything they did around the house and help them out with whatever they may need. “Is Dario home?” He asked, having yet to see the kid come out to greet him. In any case, Corey did not mind. He could understand the angsty teen phase. He was looking forward to it with his nephews and nieces.

“Anyway, how have you been Elena? How’s work?” He asked, figuring the adjustment period will probably last for both of them. Moving towns was never an easy deal, especially for a single mother and an almost teenager.

where: Elena's flat with: @magicvet

"You don't have to be shy, you know. Just come on right in." Elena encouraged the other as she placed the plates on the table. It was great, having those every-once-in-a-while meetups with Corey; it was great to have a welcoming, familiar face in a town that still didn't feel like home to her. Adjusting to everything so new took a bigger toll on Elena than she was willing to admit, and in a way, she knew she could rely on the older man to keep a secret if it came to that.

"I've got enchilada's in the oven, and they're the kind that Dario likes the most. So honestly, you're going to have to like them too, cause I don't think there's any other option." Elena joked with a smile.

[magicvet]

“There were a lot of people and it was a mess. But I honestly hope he just wasn’t there. I would not have wished this experience on anyone.” Corey said with an almost tired sigh as he retreated into the kitchen with Matty following behind him. Luckily the younger man wouldn’t be able to catch Corey’s deeply worried expression, the older man schooling it back to normal as soon as he had to turn around. If he was this worried over the entire thing, Roman included, then he could only imagine how deep and troubling Matty’s feelings must be. 

“Matty, my boy…” He began as he moved to brew a pot of tea first, leaving Matty to find a seat for himself at the kitchen table. “Be honest with me, please. I know it’s hard but give it a try. How have you been since then? And how is Jean-Claude? I saw that he did not take everything well. Would you two like to go to someone to talk about it? I have high recommendations, a couple of friends of mine who work at the Greywood General Hospital, I know them since my military days. I can ask about a schedule that could squeeze you in? Mental health is important Matty, especially in times like these. Just as and even more important than going to a regular doctor for a checkup or a dentist.” He began, one of the rare times Corey actually dared to be so direct and intrusive about the topic, though he was trying his best to make it sound like it wasn’t a big deal, adopting a similar tone he’d use if Matty had caught a cold and he was advising him to visit his family doctor instead of self-medicating or ignoring it in hopes that it would go away on its own. 

But perhaps it could be sensed in his tone that this time Corey was quite concerned for Matty. Because no matter how much Matthew tried to appear solid and tough, Corey knew that he was a deeply sensitive, gentle and easily bruised person. Because in that, they were birds of a feather and one recognized another.

Matthew was sufficiently chastised and held up his hands in defeat, smiling all the while at his uncle's assertive good nature, "Alright, alright, you got it, uncle," and after hearing from Corey that he didn't recall seeing Roman there either, it was then that the human's lips turned down into a slight frown. He rose to stand then, moving to follow Corey over to the kitchen where they could carry on talking while the tea could be brewed for them. It was a little strange, he thought, that he'd been told Roman had been there only for the people he'd asked to not recall him there so that even now Matthew was wondering if maybe whoever had told him this had just been misinformed.

"Maybe he wasn't there after all," he eventually concluded as he took a seat at the kitchen table. All the better if he wasn't, still, Matthew already decided he'd go check in on the older man, just in case. As much as they didn't get along... Matthew couldn't entirely give up on him... even if he said otherwise.

[magicvet]

“Alright! Then come on right in, get a cup of coffee too. We have a new espresso machine in the staff kitchen. But you’re on your own with it, I only know how to make it spit hot water.” Corey invited with a grin, sure that he’d kept the card of the company somewhere in the clinic for Jesse to take. He then blinked innocently at the other man, unsure what was so odd about carrying some treats in his bag. “Well, yes! As you can see, you never know when someone might need a snack.” He chuckled good-naturedly, watching the dog inch closer and closer under the surprisingly patient coaxing, Corey leaving a few of the biscuits close where the pup could sniff them out and take them if he chose to.

“It’s still five pm, the day’s far from over!” The vet doctor brushed it off easily, stepping away as Jesse managed to get the dog closer to jumping out of the truck, more biscuits ready between his fingers. “At this point Mr. Cowen, I think you really ought to start volunteering here! You’re like an animal whisperer.” The older man joked, letting Jesse handle the animal he’s brought in since he seems to be doing just fine.

"Yeah," he muttered, though Jesse's concern was focused mainly on the type of character such behavior made these people into. It wasn't like the human hadn't exactly followed all the laws with a fine toothed comb himself, so he couldn't judge anyone based on that. He could, however, say he had never dumped another living soul out on the side of the road like they were no better than Tuesday's garbage and tell them to kick rocks. That kind of behavior said a lot about a person, and truthfully, he wouldn't care to hear their reasonings behind it. There were always other, better options. "Actually, yeah, I'll get that number off you then," Jesse agreed, breaking from those thoughts to focus on what the doctor had said. "If they got payment plans, then that leaves me no reason not to do it." He wouldn't have known about anything like that without Corey mentioning it, too. Jesse would have gone the longer and difficult route of trying to save up a few thousand in order to get some cameras installed, so he was thankful for the shortcut.

"You just carry animal treats on you at all times?" he asked, faintly amused by the older man's antics as he watched him rummage through the briefcase before producing what was clearly some dog biscuits. Should he be surprised, though? That seemed exactly the kind of thing Corey would do, even if he wasn't a veterinarian. He was akin to those types of people who always had an extra dollar for kids whose parents couldn't afford their school lunch. "C'mere boy," Jesse moved towards the tailgate and leaned into the edge of it, giving the bed of the truck a light couple of pats to entice the animal forward from its spot. "He's got treats for you, bet you're hungry." He had tried to feed it some of the frozen burrito Jesse had popped into the microwave minutes before discovering the animal, but it hadn't been interested in the food at the time. "That's it, come on," this encouragement came once the dog finally did start to paw itself forward a couple of inches, as if it was uncertain of them yet still wanted their attention. "Don't mean to cut in on your end of day here," he said to Corey while reaching for the cheap leash he'd had to purchase in order to lead these animals better, firmly but gently reeling the rope in so the dog had to come closer. "I was going to wait until tomorrow but... The yard's not safe for him to play around in," he murmured, now starting to give the animal some rewarding pets. It wasn't the best excuse because plenty of people with scrapyards like his had guard dogs roaming the place just fine, but it was better to say that than admit he didn't want to fail at taking care of it.

[magicvet]

Corey could appreciate a person liking vintage things and he nodded approvingly, not questioning Sophie about it further. After all he had no reason to, he thought nothing of it really. “Oh, a list! Well, this makes everything a lot easier!” His expression brightened and he took the list from the young woman when she offered it. “The crossed out things you already have, right? So you’re just missing chicken, bell peppers and onions! Easy!” And with that, Corey would guide Sophie from stall to stall, intentionally picking those he preferred and was used to because he knew for a fact that their produce was fresh. In no time, Sophie would have bags of the products she required, in the amounts the list she had stated. "Mission accomplished!" Corey beamed at her, helping her carry some of the bags as they walked around the market.

Sophie had noticed, of course, that her phone was different than most people's. However, it had been the cheapest phone at the store. She would need to think about upgrading it seeing as it clearly stuck out. Shrugging, she lied smoothly, "I just like vintage."

She nodded when he revealed that he hadn't brought his phone either. At least it seemed like being out of step with technology wasn't completely unusual here. If she could've given advice on how not to drop phones, she might've given it. She had none though. When he returned to Sophie's reason for being at the Farmer's Market, she pulled out the recipe she'd brought with her. "Well, this is what I need. Or at least what I think I need," she explained. In a delicate hand, she had crossed off the ingredients she already owned, leaving mostly fresh produce and chicken. "Do you have any advice on how to find any of this?"

[magicvet]

END

“Oh yes, for sure. For any holiday, really.” Corey didn’t find her questions strange at all, happy to answer them. “You’re exactly right, we get one of these for most multinational festivals and holidays. The town is always busy organizing something to keep things lively. Do you have holidays you celebrate?” He inquired, purely out of conversational curiosity, assuming she was a foreigner. As he made idle small talk, he reached into the packaging of bird feed he had in his hands and sprinkled a generous amount onto the ground, tossing it a bit further away from the bench they sat on. Immediately his feathered friends busied themselves with clearing everything up, fighting a little over the pecking order. It made Corey chuckle good-naturedly to see the hustle and bustle, it was adorable to him.

[magicvet]

“Aw.” Corey looked to her as she announced that she should go. “Would a kitten pile have been a better idea to cheer you up?” He questioned, a little sad that this didn’t seem to work. Now it seemed to Corey like she’d gotten even quieter, not to mention also had dirty footwear because the soot sprites who’d gathered around her feet to beg for more treats left faint little dusty black marks on whatever she wore. Figures, since they liked to crawl into dusty, abandoned places. “Well you can always come here when you help out. Any creatures that you shouldn’t approach are always visibly marked as ‘do not handle’. But the offer to be in a kitten pile still stands.” Corey smiled at her softly then added even more gently. “It’s going to be alright, Maya. Whatever it is, it’ll pass. Every dark corner has a hidden miracle. I promise you.”

Maya nodded. It made sense that they had to be near people. Her gaze stayed on the creature as it picked up the crumbs she had tossed and returned to its nest. The others, it seemed, had witness it's triumph and followed suit. Unsurprisingly, they all took their prizes back to the nest. It was safer there. She could understand that. After all, hadn't she spent days of her life hiding out in her apartment in Boston? She couldn't help but wonder if there had been any in that church in Montana. And if there were, did they make it out? Maya tried not to let her thoughts tread too far in that direction.

Once the first toss of cereal was taken away, those empty handed sprites moved closer to her. They were silent as they did it, not even making a whisper as they moved across the floor. As quietly as she could manage, Maya distributed more treats. Soon enough, they all had a morsel of their own. As soon as they had one, each creature would make a hasty retreat to it's nest. "Pets always did like me better," she said softly and with a shrug. Although, the soot sprites weren't exactly pets. She sighed and turned to Corey. "I should go," she said, "Thanks for letting me come down here."

[magicvet]

“Would you maybe prefer honey?” He asked as he moved towards the kitchen - it wasn’t too far from the kitchen table, they could still talk over the island counter. He’d gathered everything she’d brought and took out of her bag, got the plates, cut up the loaf of bread and spread a generous amount of jam on each slice, adding to it a dollop of butter as well, all fresh ingredients from the farmer’s market. That done, he’d put the kettle on, waiting for the water to bubble before he would add loose leaf tea to it. “Do you remember when we got a sea serpent at the clinic? The one that grew overnight, surprising us with being a male after all, and broke the tank and flooded half of the basement? He’s temporarily back. They couldn’t relocate it where they originally wanted to.” He informed her with a sad chuckle. It was a nice memory, everyone flailing about to mop up water while at the same time trying to keep a hose on a very disgruntled overgrown noodle curling up temporarily in an inflatable kiddy pool. Tricky how those liked to go from tiny to colossal at a whim.  At the same time, it was also sad how some stories took a while to get a happy ending.

she noticed how corey's shoulders softened as he relaxed, smile on her face at being able to do such a thing to him. many women did notice the affect they had on men yet, eilonwy seemed completely oblivious to it. her...husband had wounded her so badly, and male attention was never something she had coveted anyways. that didn't mean she didn't look, and think, and wonder, though.

"good, i look forwards to it," the sincerity in the fae's voice was warm, genuinely interested to see how this next step with corey would work out. at his ask, she complies, nodding and responding; "a cup would be lovely, please, i'll take a spoon of sugar to," before sitting at the table.

[magicvet]

“Well I didn’t want to bother you on your day off. Jen brought in cake to commemorate though, I think there’s still leftovers in the staff kitchen fridge.” He felt a little bad that Tyler had missed the foal go but what could you do, shifts were set a month in advance already. “Don’t worry Ty, jinxes don’t work like that!” He grinned at the younger man, always the type to think positive and hope for the best, never letting anything bring him and people dear to him down if he could. “Don’t worry but if there is trouble, you got my number!” Of course Corey would be back in asap if anyone from the clinic called, even off clock. It would be a bit more difficult for him if it was after 10 pm but that also wasn’t unheard of. Corey had been in the clinic at all times of the day, when needed. It had just become more difficult to manage late nights as he got older.

“Yes! Oh by the way, I sent you that email, on the courses at Greywood Supernatural University on supernatural creatures and magical beasts. Did you get it? It would be very good to check it out, go through them, see if we can get you more specialized.” After all, just like with regular critters and animals, treating magical creatures was a specialty all on its own. In order to be considered licensed within Greywood and capable of handling them, some official schooling is required.

Tyler happily followed Corey as he moved pass the reception area, watching as Corey pick up the chart. "Oh, you should of called me. I would love to see them go, they were so cute." Tyler frowned a little as he looked over at Corey. Tyler would be the first to admit, he was a bit thrown when he he was told that he would be treating magical creatures. He wasn't trained for any of that, but with the guidance of Corey, he was getting the hang of treating every creature and animal that came through the doors. It also helped that he gained some extra power when he came into town, not that he liked to use it much as he did understand it. But it helped.

Tyler grained softly when Corey said they hadn't had any hit and run cases. "Dude, you just jinx it and you are leaving me soon." Tyler said as he leaned his head back for a moment. "I will drag you back here, just so you know. If you started something." Tyler shook his head as he followed Corey through to the back of the clinic. "Oooh. Does that mean I get to hang out with them this shift? Exciting."

[magicvet]

Corey chuckled back at the young man’s enthusiasm, he himself never played an instrument, he was far from talented or musical but he greatly admired those who created music. Though perhaps some of the genres Avery looked like he would enjoy might be a bit too grating on Corey’s mellow, delicate ears. Taste aside, he did have some hearing issues which could sometimes be easily aggravated. “How long have you been playing for?” He asked, hoping this would continue to make the other feel at ease. “I do still recommend getting those treated. Even if you’re a tough, fast healer. No reason why you should stay in any discomfort.” He sneaked that in tentatively, like a gentle and concerned fatherly figure would, giving wise but otherwise not pushy advice. 

“Well true, animals do pick up on energy and each of them has the type of energy they prefer.” Corey nodded along patiently, he doubted it was a simple matter of like or dislike, perhaps the cat would warm up to Avery in circumstances that were less distressing for the animal, apparently the kitty almost had an accident, it was a given it would have a bit of a temper due to that. But if the young man was convinced that he did not want a cat, or this cat in particular, he didn’t have to give any excuses to Corey, Corey would not push him to do anything he wouldn’t want. 

“There might be some who consider that a private matter.” The vet doctor shrugged, it was all fine by him. He was the least intrusive person ever, he preferred to respect other people’s boundaries and not assume anything. He had to chuckle again at the other’s eagerness, it was really endearing. “The results may take a couple of hours, we’d be perfectly happy to take your contact details instead.” He advised, there really was no reason for Avery to stay here for hours. “I will not say no to that, it is very much appreciated!” Corey didn’t usually insist on the ones bringing in strays to cover up for anything, just bringing in the animal was a good deed on its own, but he also wouldn’t say no to some financial help. After all, a lot of the shelter part of the clinic operated on donations. “Come on this way with me, I’ll give you the paperwork to do.” He motioned him out of the exam room and back to the reception desk, where they could sort out the administrative part.

"Oh yeah!" Avery chukles, "That's always fun! not to mention when the pick breaks and you gotta use your fingers, I mean at this point doesn't really hurt, but when you're starting to learn? ouch," he was now feelling more at ease, he could clearly see the doctor knew what he was doing as that was good, hopefully the kitty would be fine, "Yeah, I guess we'll see just how fast the scrashes will heal," he says looking at his arms, not that he was worried, it was mostly curiosity, because well, he knew he'd heal fast, he just haven't test it out yet. "I mean I wish we were but I don't really think he trusts me enough to try, you know? and if someone's gonna take of him, its best for it to be someone he likes," the young wolf smiles gently, he loved cats, had them growing up, but the animal had to like him too, he didn't want it living in fear, "Mm, yeah, werewolf," he comfirms, "It's okay, I don't mind telling you, I don't think anyone in this town is keeping it a scret, right?" at least as far as he could tell, people would openily talk about it. Avery assumed if not all, the vast majority, knew. "Yeah, of course!" Avery nods, "Do you think it's possible to wait for the results? or should I just asked to be contacted once you know?" he didn't mind waiting, he didn't had anywhere to be anyway, but he knew these things took time and didn't want to be in the way, "Hey listen, I'll pay for the expences too, okay? it was my fault, I wouldn't feel right with myself if I didn't."

[magicvet]

“Well I can ask my friend if we could visit!” Corey offered, having brought the chilled lemonade for Theo. The tray he brought it on even had some pre-cut slices of fruit. “Want some more ice, boy?” He asked caringly and gave the younger man’s back a little pat as he drank. “I also did take pictures, I will bring my phone when you’re done eating.” Corey’s phone always somehow ended up in a different room than him, he really disliked the thing and often forgot about it. He probably left and forgot it in the hallway when Theo came in.

As they chatted, Corey took another couple of trips to the kitchen to bring out the food for Theo, the warm chuck roast generously piled up on a large plate along with some cucumber salad in greek yogurt and a whole bagel on the side and more iced lemonade in a jug so Theo could get a refill. All that brought out, Corey finally took a seat across from the younger man, just happy to see the youngest Baudelaire enjoy the food. Now that Theo was hopefully cozy enough, Corey probed tentatively, hoping it wasn’t too intrusive. “So what did you say, where are you staying again?” Hopefully it would gently steer the conversation towards what’s been going on and why the sudden move back to town.

He resisted the urge to offer Corey his help because he knew it made him happy to do so. He was used to never be missing anything whenever he visited his uncle. "Oh wow!" His eyes widened, surprised that he had the chance to see a newborn unicorn. He was very visibly interested in his story, he wanted to know more until he mentioned the unicorn being in bad shape. That part of the story made him a bit sad, but he was glad she was fine now.

He sat down at the table, already taking a sip from his lemonade when he set it in front of him. "Did you take pictures after you helped? I wish I could’ve seen her." He remembered when he was younger and always wanted to help his uncle. For a long time he had wanted to follow in his footsteps, he wanted to help animals, but he often changed career plans and ended up helping people. Still to this day he wondered if it was all thanks to him if he chose to be a firefighter.

[magicvet]

“You could be, yes! But in that case then I must reiterate my earlier statement even more firmly!” Corey insisted, not faltering this time. “You are beautiful, young-looking if not actually younger, and you would waste your time on an old fart like me? Mm-hmm, no ma’am, call me rude and I apologize for it, but I can’t in my right mind agree to this. A lady always deserves better.” Corey shook his head adamantly, folding his hands across his chest and sitting up straighter on the barstool he was perched on in all his unmovable stubborn glory that he rarely displayed. 

As a born Greywooder, Corey genuinely wouldn’t bat an eyelash at meeting someone significantly older but still younger-looking that him. His opinion though still applied to those people as well. He was pretty convinced that someone who could grace their charms upon a person much more worthy and matching their potentially immortal beauty and youth should do so, rather than go for someone like Corey, who’d only look very inappropriately matched to them and likely unable to follow up.

Late in the evening? To her the night was just getting started. It became very obvious how different they were. Sure, she should've expected it since he was older than her, but usually older gentlemen liked to follow her lead and let loose for a night.

''Too young?'' Now she was offended because she wasn't too young for anything. It was her first time being rejected this way and she wasn't taking it well. It almost sounded like the man was scolding her, as if she had done something wrong. He should've been flattered that she even attempted to talk to him. ''You don't know my age. In this town especially, I could be older than you. It's a bit rude to assume, don't you think?'' She asked, fully serious. She was twenty-five so he was probably right to not want anything to do with her. But he couldn't know that!

[magicvet]

Corey had empathy for both - the man and the animal - but taking his vocation into the account, he also had some insight Jesse might not. As long as animals, pets and critters got to Corey’s clinic, the vet doctor knew that they will be just fine. Whatever had happened to them, the staff and Corey himself would do everything they can to erase that past and get the animal on the mend, soon to forget their past troubles and looking forward to a happy new start. After all, in Corey’s experience, pets needed so little to bounce back. Just a little love and care, just a little tenderness, and then the rest came easily in the hands of experts. And those were all things Corey’s clinic could provide. Unlike people, who were so complex and came without any guarantee that even if everything was done right they’d be alright in the end, Corey could guarantee that for most of the animals who came to him save, of course, for those who’re far too near the end of their life for one reason or the other. So the witch doctor didn’t look too concerned and still observed the animal with a soft, almost serene smile. 

As Jesse revealed that the idea about surveillance cameras was also something that came to his mind, Corey nodded approvingly. “I agree, this is very much against several laws.” Albeit he lacked the darker tone Jesse had adopted, he was not less serious about it. Corey had had no qualms about reporting anyone who mistreated animals to the appropriate authorities in town. As a matter of fact, the clinic had its own attorney consultant for exactly those purposes. Unfortunate that it sometimes had to come to this but Corey did what needed to be done. “I can give you the contact details of the company that did our parking lot surveillance cameras, you can see about a payment in installments plan with them since you own a business! They have that available.” Corey suggested with a friendly smile, assuming Jesse’s junkyard was a registered business too, like Corey’s clinic was. 

“That’s good to know!” Corey grinned at Jesse’s reassurance that the pup hadn’t been aggressive with him, although not something that bothered Corey it definitely made things like handling and rehoming later a lot easier. Aggressive animals are usually scared animals and therefore needed some work done with them first. As he spoke, Corey rummaged through the briefcase he carried with him, muttering to himself. “... let’s see here, maybe I have something, I know I got some bird feed in there but do I have dog treats?... ha! There we go!” After some rummaging, he did come up with a few remaining bone-shaped doggie treats wrapped in a paper bag.

"Yeah, unfortunately," Jesse confirmed, idly combing a hand through his curls as he considered the sullen animal. "This one has got to be the sorriest one I've seen yet, though," he went on with a quiet frown furrowing his brow. Yeah, the animal looked well-fed and like Corey surmised, likely hadn't been dumped for very long- still relatively clean and injury-free, no mange, etc. However, Jesse was referring to those big sad doe eyes that stared up at both of them with all the sadness in the world. Even the harshest person couldn't ignore the tug of empathy for the animal. The damn thing looked as if it wanted to give up on everything because all the joy had been taken from its life- because it was probably mourning the loss of its favorite person who, far as Jesse could see, had just left it outside like trash.

"Yeah, I was just thinking about that actually," he said, hand coming to rest on the back of his neck as Jesse tore his gaze from the animal to look at the veterinarian instead. Corey was easier to stare at without feeling guilty as all hell for not doing more than just basically dropping the thing off as someone else's problem. He wanted to tell the dog that this was the best thing for it because he wouldn't be any good for it. He wasn't good for anybody. "Think I'm going to have to since this keeps happening. I can't tell if it's the same person or if it's several, but either way... Whoever it is, they need to be held accountable." His tone darkened on the end of those words, an indication that his version of accountable likely wouldn't involve the police, if he could help it. "That'll be a pretty penny though, eh... Oh- He's not been aggressive or anything either. Didn't bite me, anyway." Last time, he'd brought in a chihuaha that had nipped him at least seven times by the time he'd gotten it to the clinic. That damn dog had been a bloody menace and Jesse hadn't any sympathy for it, aside from the fact it didn't deserve to be left to its own defenses. He could see why someone had done what they did if that was how it behaved, but all that meant was it needed someone with a firmer hand. Animals respected those that had the confidence to lead.

[magicvet]

“Well, how long has he been gone for?” It was unsurprising nevertheless, when it came to outdoor cats. Corey wasn’t a big supporter of letting the kitties out for various reasons but he was also not the type to judge or try to change anyone’s mind. After all, Vera herself didn’t seem concerned so Corey wasn’t about to cause her to worry. “Ah, to be a cat napping in the sun…” He sighed fondly, wishing sometimes that he was a little critter too, free of any worries - not that Corey had many - and just lazing about while being taken care of. That sounded like such a good, comfortable life.

Corey made a rare deeply troubled face at Vera’s next words though. “Gosh I hope not, I’d be terrible at it. My social skills do not apply to people that well.” Perhaps Corey was being a bit harsh on himself but it was partially true. He had always gotten along better with animals. Thus his vocation. He nevertheless smiled tenderly at her nudging him. “I bought the bleeding dragonheart fruit and cooked it just how that colleague of mine said I should! It’s such a peculiar vegetable too, almost anatomically accurate to a human heart and what’s even stranger, it seems like the enzymes in saliva trigger the juice flow in the vegetable so you have to literally bite into it and suck to get that blood-like juice. Amazing what exists out there and we barely know anything about it!” Corey began to explain enthusiastically, describing in perhaps gruesome details the dish he’d cooked for Jean-Claude, gesturing animatedly to paint the picture better.  

“I am worried though…” He then added, a prelude to a concern he would probably not voice to anyone else except to Vera or Ruthie. “Although very polite and charming, I can’t help but wonder how old Matty’s significant other is. Vampires, well… they have the potential to achieve immortality. I never could figure out what would a really old and eternally young individual want with someone… mortal and that much younger. I mean, when you really think about it, the balance is really thrown off there, isn’t it?” He was asking for Vera’s opinion more than anything else, often finding their conversations very enlightening and soul-searching.

" Yes, he decided that he wanted to take a walk today and I have yet to see sight of him again. " She glances around the park, resting her hands on the wood of the bench." Probably just laying around somewhere taking a nap in the sun, the day is beautiful so I wouldn't judge him."

Vera smiles back at her brother when she hears the news." Wonderful! See I told you that you would be fine Corey, you need to have more faith in yourself, before you know it you will be hosting lunches all over Greywood." She teases lightly, pressing her elbow against his side." But tell me how was it? I want every detail."

[magicvet]

“Oh wow, now this is a throwback!” Corey took a look at the phone Sophie had pulled out, an old thing that had been popular and the peak of technology perhaps some ten to fifteen years ago. Corey himself still had the old Nokia 5210 somewhere in his home which he could no longer power on because the charger fell apart. He kept the red plastic brick with reception purely for nostalgia’s sake. “I haven’t seen one of these with the slide-out keyboards in ages!” Of course, he omitted the part of his surprise at seeing someone so young-looking still choosing to use one of these. It was Greywood after all, perhaps the lady was older than she looked. Many of the immortals struggled with technology and preferred the now very vintage pieces because they were easier to operate.

“It does but unfortunately I keep leaving it at home! Which I know I’m not supposed to do but it just slips my mind to bring it with. They are so awkward and large now, all delicate screen and nothing to hold onto. I always purchase the thickest phone case but it doesn't help. It keeps slipping out of my hands!” Corey trailed off with a hum before he got back on the right track. “Never mind though! Let's go with what you know about fajitas and improvise on the rest!” He suggested cheerfully.

Sophie knew it probably wasn't her best impulse, but she did feel some small reassurance that he had never made fajitas. At least, she wasn't the only person in this world who didn't know how to do this. She smiled a kind of gracious smile at this compliment. Quickly though, it was replaced by confusion. "A smart phone?" She wasn't sure what might make a phone smart. It was just a piece of technology after all. She did have a phone, but she didn't think it was connected to the internet. It had been the cheapest one at the store, but at the time it was all she could afford and it had seemed like in this place a phone was a necessity.

Pulling out the phone, whose screen slid out to reveal the keyboard, she said, "I don't think my phone connects to the Internet. Does yours?"