Chapter Text
Chip all but threw himself through the door after his shift, "Xander?" He called, minding his voice in case Lance was sleeping. "Vida?"
"Hey," Vida said as she came out of the kitchen, "what's got you so excited?"
Chip grinned, "I have the coolest news ever, Vi. You will not believe what happened today."
"Surprise me," Vi said as she rested a hand on her back, "after I sit down. This little one is kicking like she's playing soccer."
"Sure," Chip said, his hand touched his pocket, "I could do something, maybe?"
"No," Vida said, "I just need to sit for a while."
Chip caught Vida's elbow and walked with her into the living room, "Where is Xander anyways?" He asked.
"Putting Lance down for his nap," Vida replied. "You want to wait for him then?"
"I would," Chip admitted as he watched Vida ease herself into her rocking chair. He distracted himself by kicking his shoes off and tucking them beside the entertainment center and poking through his backpack for anything that needed cleaning. He was about to take his things into the kitchen when Xander came down stairs. "I thought he was going to never fall asleep."
"You spoil him," Chip replied.
"Hey love," Xander said and kissed him gently.
"I have the best news ever," Chip said when Xander stepped back. "You will not believe who is at the hospital for a few days."
"Who?" Xander said.
"A headhunter, from Saint Jude's Children's Hospital," Chip replied, "they've come to talk to some of our nursing staff about open positions."
"That's your dream job," Vida said.
"I know," Chip replied, "but they aren't going to look at me."
"Why not?" Xander asked.
"Because," Chip said, "I don't have experience, or seniority, or any of it. I'm lucky enough that the hospital here respects me for being a Ranger or I'd be stuck on ER shifts all the time instead of once a week."
"Xander," Vida said, "smack him for me."
"Hey!" Chip yelped as Xander's palm hit the back of his head.
"Chip, you're being stupid. You get pediatrics ward shifts because you're good at what you do, not because of your ranger status." Vida said.
"You can't be serious," Chip said, "A place like Saint Jude's takes the best."
"Chip," Xander said, gripping his shoulders and staring into his eyes, "you deserve the same shot at this job as anyone else and you know it."
"I don't want them to take me because I'm a Ranger either," Chip said.
"Then let them decide without knowing," Vida said, "you know that your co-workers won't brag about it. They respect your wish for privacy. If this headhunter picks you for whatever reason it's because of who you are, not who Mystic Yellow is."
"I guess," Chip said. He grinned at Xander, "If they do interview me and all, if I go, I'll have to move."
"We'll have to move," Xander said instantly. "You aren't going anywhere without us, Chip."