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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"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.

It's that last which causes him to capitulate; being assured that he won't lose precious time with his daughter allows Gabriel to accept the current limitations of his own health.

"Very well."

A beat, as he glances back and forth between them.

"I trust the two of you will be able to entertain yourselves?"

"We'll play tiddlywinks with the space-time continuum," River says gravely.

It's an old joke -- and bittersweet for that, but she's smiling slightly under her mock-solemnity.

Galadan, in turn, looks at River, eyebrow raised.

"Tiddlywinks?"

She'll have to teach him.

He does not mind.

To Galadan, dryly,

"I expect you'll find out."

With a small smile, Gabriel continues,

"And I'll see you both at dinner, then."

"I promise."

River lets her hand brush a little against her father's as she rises, with the same absent gentleness she uses to touch the footstool, and smiles at him before she slips out of the room after Galadan.

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