Quite Enjoying writing this one so far.....Hope you are all enjoying is as well.....

Disclaimer as norm.

Word Play

"You're in a strange mood today Ria, Whatsup?"

"Nothing, and I'm not"

"You are, so it's something"

"Shut up Loker"

"Ooo K"

"Loker….Torres…How are my two little lab fairies today?"

Did everyone get magic mushrooms except me this morning? thought Loker who had been puzzled by Rias mood, but he was concerned by Cals…Lightman, asking how they were…'Lab Fairies?'…

"Errr I'm fine thanks boss, but Torres is in a …'mood"

Rias head shot up and threw daggers at Eli.

"Is that right Torres? Problem luv? something I can help you with maybe?"

Ria picked up on the sarcasm in his voice and wondered how Loker appeared to miss it.

"Loker is incorrect. I am not in a mood, and I don't need any help – Thank you Dr. Lightman"

"Well you know where to find me if you need to. LOKER"

Eli jumped when Cal slapped a hand on his shoulder "Yeah Boss"

"How yer doing? You know it's been ages since we had a chat you an me – we'll have to go out for a drink one evening – catch up, my treat"

"Errrr…."

"Well keep up the good work you two"

As soon as he was sure Lightman had gone Eli turned and stared at Torres.

"What the hell?"

Ria shrugged her shoulders and feigned indifference.

"No! I'm not buying that Torres - This is something between you and Lightman isn't it? Cum on Ria – 'lab fairies' – 'Catch up chats' That whole thing was for your benefit not mine, wots up with you two this time?"

"I told you I've no idea wot his nibs is up to. Do you wanna go out for a drink tonight?"

"Ooo k"

As he strolled down the corridor back to his office Cal was feeling pleased with himself, he knew Torres had got the message. His dismissed the fleeting stab of guilt that he was possibly being a little too harsh on her – No she deserved it. She could really piss him off sometimes. ..(there was that nagging little voice again – It's because she is right!)

"Cal…Can I have a word..Please"

Shit!

"Yes Foster. Your place or mine?"

"My office please Cal"

How could that woman look so sexy while making her voice sound like a school headmistress?

She holding the door for him, as he sneaked past he heard the decided 'thud' as it was closed.

"What was that all about Cal?"

"Wot?"

"Don't 'wot' me Cal Lightman, that little 'scene' you just played out in the Lab. I heard the whole thing you know, 'Lab Fairies' 'Catch up Chats' with Loker? What's going on?"

Putting his very best 'sheepish' grin on and shuffling his feet slightly he thought he give it a try…..

"Would you believe that I came in this morning and decided to turn over a new leaf – I'm gonna try being a 'nice' boss, let everyone see the happy, sweet side of my nature. You might say I had an…epiphany"

"Oh and this…'epiphany' told you to lace every word you said to Ria with sarcasm, contempt and just a hint of threat did it?"

"Is THAT how it sounded? Oh that's just awful, really – terrible. I must go and speak to her, let her know that it wasn't meant to sound like that"

"You two have had ANOTHER argument haven't you? So..What's it about this time?"

Gillian sighed and sat on the couch, patting the space next to her. Cal stayed rocking on his feet "Nuffin"

"SIT Cal"

He mooched over and crashed down next to her.

"So?"

"I told you it was nuffin…really. Oh you know how she is Foster – She waits till I'm just about to go home, when I've had a crap day, and then she traps me in my office and starts…"

"Starts about what Cal? Whatever it is it's certainly wound you up"

"Crap, ..just rubbish – stupid ideas that she gets in her head and then she won't give it up… like one of bloody yappy little dogs with a bloody bone. Damn 'naturals' they always think they're right about everything"

"Ok, I get it – you don't want to talk about it. Well, have it your own way – I might just go and see if Ria wants to come to lunch with me"

SHIT! He thought as she swung out of the office.