New visitor

*trying to keep from shivering* I'm sure you can, Captain. I'm s-sorry for the trouble.

It's no trouble at all, Captain Scarlet. *pulls one of his burnt and frozen hands from the ice bucket and starts to tend to it, trying hard to be gentle* I know you're cold, but try to stay still, Captain; I really don't want to hurt you.

Sorry. *tenses, trying hard to stay completely still* Don't worry t-too much. I'll rec-c-c-cover.

A wise ex-Mysteron once told me that that was the wrong attitude. I'm going to treat you in the way that you'd treat me - like a person who deserves care and respect.

Really? *trying not to laugh* Was the ex-Mysteron anyone I'd know? *sniff* Can I have another of those napkins, please? *pulls a face, thinking of something* Are they making my nose look red? They're scarlet and gold.

That's a bit hard to say, Captain - your nose was already looking rather red. Are you sure you can't catch colds?

*brings out the hot chocolate, with a large mound of whipped cream on top*

Here y'are, lad, that'll take the chill off. I left off the cherry on top, since your hands will be bandaged, but I made up for it by adding a splash of Kahlua to warm you up even quicker. *places mug on fresh pub coaster*

Th-thank... CHOO! *sniff* Thankyou. *looks at the mug for a moment* Have you got a long straw?

Of course, we have everything here at the Scarlet Knight, all you have to do is ask!
*pulls out red-and-white-striped long straw from apron pocket*

Thankyou. *takes a sip* Oh, that's very nice. Thankyou, Captain Ruddy, that helps a lot. I feel b-better already.

*finishes bandaging his hands* There we are. Did you want to go up to your room and try to sleep?

Not really, no. *cuddles into the throws and takes another sip of hot chocolate* It's w-warmer down here a-a-ahh... ATCHOO! *sniff, sniff* Thankyou for your kindness though, Lieutenant Lake, Captain Ruddy. I'm sure I'll be fine once I've warmed up.

That's all right! *puts an arm around him* It's all my fault that you're unwell, anyway - I shouldn't have gone so mad with the ice!

I'm not ill! I'm f-f-fine. Well... I w-will b-b-be. *sniffs and wipes at his nose*

Is there anything more that I can do for you?

*shakes his head* I'm f-fine, really. *sneezes into a napkin* I'm s-sure you ha-have other p-people to worry ab-b-bout.

*ignores him and removes his boots for him* Your feet are like ice as well! *puts his boots to one side and wraps him up in the throws* There you are. That should help.

*snuggling up* Th-th-thankyou. You're v-v-v-very k-kind. ATCHOO! CHOO! *closes his eyes and savours the hot chocolate, hoping that he'll stop shivering and sneezing soon*

I told you - I want to treat you as well as you'd treat me. *sits beside him and picks up his mug for him* Here. *pops the straw in his mouth for him and looks around at the other people, hearing sniggers* What's the joke, eh? Come on, what's wrong with you all? Surely you've been hurt or ill before!

*quietly, so only Scarlet and Burgundy hear*
What's the matter, Scarlet? Is that stiff-upper-lip of yours frozen solid?

*louder*
Right, what are you lot staring at? Leave the man alone!

Anyone need a refill? or even

*sitting up straighter* Captain Burgundy, I'm not ill. A b-bit cold, perhaps, but not ill. I'm not even certain if I could get ill. *moves to the seat nearest the fire* I'll be fine, once I regulate my temperature, I'm sure.

If you're sure... *starts to gather up plates, cups and glasses; all the while keeping a casual eye on Scarlet*

I'm certain. *snifs and stretches out in front the fire, enjoying the warmth*

*hands him a tissue* Jolly good. Blow your nose then.

*lifts an eyebrow at her but does as he's advised* Thankyou. *sniff*

You're quite welcome. More hot chocolate? Anyone want anything?

You know, you're beginning to annoy me.

Sorry! I was only trying to help, you know!