river_meimei | (no subject)

(no subject)

The Tams' house at New Mayfair is slightly less tidy than usual -- necessarily, with a reluctant invalid occupying the sitting room full-time. But the cleaners still know their job, and appearances must be kept up. Which is why the upstairs hallway, like all the rooms except the one Gabriel is more or less living out of, is still ruthlessly and tastefully tidy.

There are, of course, doors in this house that even the cleaners and security force don't know about.

Magic will do that kind of thing.

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The Wolflord turns back to Gabriel, smiling slightly.

"I believe we both accept, then."

Just in case the Senator didn't follow their conversation, of course.

"I'm pleased to hear it."

He's looking back and forth between them with slight surprise and visible interest.

It's the first time Gabriel Tam has had the opportunity to see these two in each other's company.

"It's etiquette," River explains to him helpfully. And cheerfully.

"Supposed to be. Unless it's an elaborate scheme."

"And of course no one here is prone to elaborate schemes."

This time Galadan fails to look at River.

Though his lips twitch again.

"No, of course not."

Blandly.

"You're a liar."

Whether that's to Galadan, Gabriel, or both isn't quite clear; either way, it's entirely amused.

"That would only apply if I were speaking entirely in earnest."

Galadan uses sarcasm as a weapon.

Unlike the Tams.

For his part, Gabriel just leans back in his chair, watching with something approaching fascination.

River makes a face.

This time it's clearly at both of them.

This, of course, would be the point at which Galadan laughs.

It is not particularly long in duration, but it is genuine for all of that.

"Consider me put rather effectively in my place."

"I'm not sure I knew that was possible," he puts in, and Gabriel's very clearly amused.

Whether he means the laughter or the placement is left unspoken.

"You're very uncreative," River says pityingly.

Mock-pityingly.

Laughingly.

Whatever.

Galadan is still laughing a little when he looks at River.

"Perhaps you might take him under your wing, then."

He quirks a smile at the Senator.

"Seeing as you so often have very . . . interesting ideas."

"Interesting ideas certainly seem to be in no shortage around here," Gabriel agrees smoothly.

He doesn't look at the two small tiles lying hidden by the book on the table at the side of his chair.

River's eyes drop -- to the table, perhaps, though there's nothing but a book lying placidly on the polished walnut -- and lift again.

"I will," she says.

Seriously, or mock-seriously; it's hard to tell, sometimes.

Galadan's lip quirks.

"All the better for our efforts, then."

And whether he is referring to River's last words, or Gabriel's--who can be sure?

He smiles, but it takes a little more effort than before, as does his breathing. He shifts slightly in his chair, seeking a more comfortable position.

Gabriel grows tired far more easily these days, and resents every moment stolen by his own body's weakness. Especially at times like this.

River says nothing.

But her eyes are on her father, compassionate and studying.

(If there are other emotions there too -- well, River's face, for all her lack of control, is often hard to read.)

Galadan, too, is studying Gabriel.

"I trust you haven't been over-exerting yourself, of late."

"I know my limits."

There's a very slight edge to his tone.

"Do you listen?"

It's asked a little distantly, to a point a few inches above her father's head, as River pulls her knees comfortably closer to her chest.

And follows it with a slightly knowing stare that does meet his eyes.

Galadan remains silent, but his eyes are also on the Senator, clear and sharp.

"I would hate to have to call in your wife."

"Regan's occupied right now," Gabriel returns, levelly. "She'll be home in time for dinner."

To River, and with a hint of softening--

"When it's necessary."

River gives him a Look.

It's affectionate, and mild, but it still deserves the capital letter.

"Should," she says with very gentle chiding.

"I'll stay extra."

Once again Galadan is silent, grey eyes studying the Tams, caught by something he does not quite understand.

Not yet.

There is little enough of Cernan in Gabriel Tam, after all.