(Untitled)

[simon_doctor]

It's not as though he didn't know this was coming. That didn't make seeing the newsfeed any easier.

So Simon's in the bar, with a glass by his elbow and a datareader in front of him.

Come talk to him. He could probably use the distraction.

Comments

[aj_crawley]

It's been a good day, even if it is raining again in London. Crowley's feeling practically sociable. He's been leaning against the bar with a glass of wine; catching sight of Simon seems to be his cue to push off, and start meandering over.

Some people might say: be careful what you wish for.

Others might say: speak of the devil.

[simon_doctor]

Simon scrolls down through to the story's end. There isn't much of it, and he's read it once already; it ends with vague mention of a memorial service to be organized by Bentley Aeronautics.

(He hasn't looked up yet.)

[aj_crawley]

Small mercies: the voice that speaks out (startlingly close) originates somewhere in front of Simon. Not behind him. Not over his shoulder.

"Anything interesting?"

[simon_doctor]

Small mercies.

It means Simon has a few seconds' grace after looking up to concentrate on keeping his face under control, and can then switch off the datareader's screen without any unseemly haste.

"Not especially. Wan an, Crowley."

[veryscaryrobot]

Someone else is at the bar, too, with her back turned to Simon -- and the skirt she's wearing is denim, and her hair is combed, but at this angle, the edge of a familiar profile and long brown hair, it's easy not to notice.

[simon_doctor]

It isn't even a full profile, just the curve of cheekbone and chin.

And it means that when Simon steps up to the bar to refill his drink, he smiles and says "Hey, meimei," without taking a closer look.

[veryscaryrobot]

The owner of the cheekbone turns swiftly. It's amazing how hostile the right set of the shoulders and the hips can make a simple about-face.

And her shoulders are squared, and her back is ramrod-straight -- it might be clear that she's not River even before Simon sees her face.

[simon_doctor]

Oh, it's clear.

Simon's already taking an involuntary step back before she's quite finished turning around.

"--Excuse me," he says quickly. "I'm sorry, I -- mistook you for someone else."