(Untitled)

[gabriel_tam]

After receiving Simon's wave, Gabriel had immediately arranged with Mark to not only reschedule the previously-planned dinner engagement but also to clear the last meeting of the day from his calendar

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[simon_doctor]

It's not too long before the front door slides open and Simon comes in. (He's also early.)

A quick look around the room, and he catches sight of his father by the fireplace.

[gabriel_tam]

He's got the fingers of both hands loosely laced together, cradling the cup between them, but on spotting his son Gabriel shifts the coffee cup into one hand and raises the other in a half-wave.

"Simon."

He's pleased to see the younger man, and his expression shows it, even if there's something searching about the glance Simon receives.

"Nĭ hăo."

[simon_doctor]

"Ni hao," Simon returns, and his smile is no less pleased.

And oh, he knows that look of old; it's his father trying to find out what's wrong before asking the question outright.

"How have you been?" he asks, settling into the next armchair.

[gabriel_tam]

"Fairly well," Gabriel tells him. "If at some risk of being bored to sleep by some of the bills under consideration this session."

He signals to a waitrat, indicating Simon with a gesture.

"How about yourself? Kaylee and River?"

[mmquitecontrary]

At a table nearby sits Mary. She's intent on her homework - intent to the point of frustration, it seems.

[gabriel_tam]

"Mary?"

Although Gabriel's seen Mary frustrated on more than one occasion, something about her seems different.

[mmquitecontrary]

Mary looks up at the sound of his voice - and then quickly glances to one side, then another, to make sure that no witch is in sight.

As far as she knows, Gabriel Tam has never had a run-in with Blodwen, and Mary would much like to keep it that way.

But it seems the coast is clear. "Hullo," she says, gravely.

[gabriel_tam]

"Hello," he replies.

Gabriel is studying her very carefully now, after that quick, wary glance.

"Ni meí shì -- er, is everything all right?"